The Self-Preservation Society?

Vengeance
Genesis 4:23-24
Proverbs 20:22; 24:29
Romans 12:14-21


Deuteronomy 32:35; Psalm 94:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:6


Romans 13:1-7; cf. Genesis 9:6; Exodus 21:23-25 


Matthew 5:38-42


Self-Defence? 
Matthew 5:38-42 is about: 
-a traditional insult (slap on face)
-a challenge in a court of law (sue you)
- a demand by a soldier for services [as a guide or interpreter?] 
- a beggar
-> so Matt 5 prohibits revenge, not self-defence (cf Matthew 5:38; 5:43-48)
1 Peter 2:13-3:17
Exodus 22:2-3 


The Doctrine of the Christian Life (Theology of Lordship) p690-693